IMF chief's Paris flat searched over Tapie compensation case-lawyer

French authorities have searched the Paris flat of IMF chief Christine Lagarde.

The move came as part of an investigation into her handling of a 2008 compensation payment to a businessman supporter of ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy, said her lawyer.

Police are investigating claims that Ms Lagarde, when finance minister under Sarkozy, acted illegally in approving the €285 million arbitration payout to Bernard Tapie. She denies any wrongdoing.

“This search will help uncover the truth, which will contribute to exonerating my client,” said Ms Lagarde’s lawyer, Yves Repiquet. – (Reuters)